JM Ibarra, Elijah Canlas team up for Kip Oebanda’s most personal film yet

“Eh napakahirap ng materyal na sinulat namin. Masaya at malungkot,” Oebanda wrote on Instagram, adding that working with the cast has been a rewarding experience so far.

The director also shared his long-awaited collaboration with Canlas, saying they had been discussing working together for nearly a decade. “Elijah and I have been talking about working together for almost ten years now LOL Now is the time,” he said.

While full plot and casting details remain under wraps, Oebanda expressed excitement over the project, calling it his “most personal film to date” and teasing a mix of laughter and emotion during the writing process.

The collaboration between Oebanda and Villanueva was first hinted at in April. In an Instagram Story posted on April 22, Villanueva shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a screenplay written by both directors, referencing their acclaimed works “Bar Boys” and “Patay na si Hesus.” Oebanda later reshared the post with a simple confirmation: “Yes.”

Speculation about Regal Entertainment’s involvement grew after company head Roselle Monteverde tagged Oebanda in a post alongside external vice president Keith Monteverde and strategist John Paul Egalin Abellera.

“Always nice chatting with Direk Kip,” Monteverde wrote. Oebanda reshared the post, replying, “Nice catching up po.”

Oebanda and Villanueva have previously crossed paths behind the scenes, with Oebanda serving as part of the editing team of Villanueva’s film “Patay na si Hesus.”

The pairing brings together two distinct voices in Philippine cinema—Villanueva’s dark, absurdist humor and Oebanda’s sociopolitical storytelling with strong masa appeal—making the project one to watch.

Production is expected to begin soon.

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